11.2.1. Public access to buildings
The University of Souk Ahras is an important cultural and historical site that welcomes delegations, especially school groups, to commemorate the country’s legacy and revolutionaries. These trips frequently involve ceremonies at the Martyrs’ Memorial in 19 May Square, which reflect on the colonial period. The institution offers substantial assistance for guest interaction.Â
Each year, the University of Souk Ahras organizes open days for various segments of the community, including baccalaureate students and the university’s social and economic partners. These events feature a range of cultural activities, such as book fairs and theatrical performances presented by students, fostering engagement and showcasing the vibrancy of campus life.
11.2.2. Public access to libraries
Online Access: The digital repository of University of Souk Ahras digital repository, which started in 2023, is an important initiative aiming at revolutionizing digital access to knowledge. This consolidated repository archives the university’s research output, including as theses, dissertations, research papers, and scientific publications, and makes it freely available online. The user-friendly platform supports extensive search capabilities, which improves resource discoverability and promotes fair access to information.Â
Public Access to the Library of University of Souk Ahras: Its library serves as an intellectual and cultural nexus for both the university and the surrounding community. It arranges open days to engage students and promote early research and reading interests. The library has peaceful reading places, group study halls, and electronic research rooms with digital database access. Expert librarians help users with resource navigation and information retrieval.
11.2.3. Public access to museums
The University of Souk Ahras actively engages with both prospective students and the local community through open days and strategic partnerships. These events introduce secondary school pupils to the university’s diverse academic offerings, allowing them to interact with faculty, explore study programs, and receive personalized guidance on career paths, helping them make informed choices about their future education.
Beyond student outreach, the university collaborates with local stakeholders, including state institutions, chambers of commerce, and community organizations. These partnerships focus on experience sharing, exploring mutual research opportunities, and addressing community needs. Through these initiatives, the university strengthens its role as a regional driver of social and economic development, promoting knowledge transfer, fostering innovation, and building a supportive academic ecosystem
11.2.4. Public access to green spaces
The university’s Institute of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences also oversees the Borqas Reserve, an important protected natural area rich in biodiversity that is home to several rare and endangered species.
11.2.5. Arts and heritage contribution
The Directorate of Cultural, Scientific, and Sports Activities at the University of Souk Ahras is in charge of arranging a wide range of student events and activities. The directorate’s responsibilities include:
Cultural Activities: Planning theater plays, film screenings, and other cultural activities.
Sports Activities: Hosting sporting events such as marathons, football, tennis, and handball tournaments.
Scientific Activities: CooScientific Activities: Coordinating and participation in academic contests, as well as other intellectual competitions like chess tournaments.
11.2.6. Record and preserve cultural heritage
In 2024, the University of Souk Ahras organizes several events such as:Â
A study day about the flags and landmarks of the city of Souk Ahras (July 1st, 2024).
62nd Anniversary of Independence Day
University Cinema Events: A multi-week program featuring screenings of feature films, documentaries, and short films
Eighth Edition of the National Short Film University Festival:Â
Celebration of the Amazigh New Year 2973 (January 12) in collaboration with the Chamber of Traditional Industries of Souk Ahras and the Tourism Directorate, featuring notable participation from the tourism agency MYRIM M
11.4.1. Sustainable practices targets
The Shuttle service is provided by the University Services Directorate and the university contributes a part of the cost.
The University Services Directorate allocates buses to transport students to and from the university and various neighborhoods in the city of Souk Ahras and the university residences at a price of 135 DZD / 0.86 euros per year.
Before 2023, as a first step the University of Souk Ahras implemented a carbon reduction process to minimize CO2 emissions by converting all university vehicle fuels from gasoline to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is considered an ideal and environmentally friendly fuel.
In preparation for the transition to using electric vehicles, the university has already installed electric charging stations on campus, ensuring readiness for a cleaner and more energy-efficient transportation system.
11.4.2. Promote sustainable commuting
11.4.3. Allow remote working
In response to the COVID-19 epidemic, the University of Souk Ahras welcomed and promoted the culture of remote work in 2021, especially among academic personnel. This change involved the use of online platforms for education, exploratory lectures, and virtual gatherings. Since its inception in 2012, the Distance Education Platform has emerged as a critical instrument for providing courses to students who are unable to commute. The epidemic highlighted its benefits, such as reduced traffic and environmental effect, prompting the institution to formalize online learning across all of its departments. Secondary unit courses are now frequently offered online on Saturdays, as shown by the official schedules.
11.4.4. Affordable housing for employees
The University of Souk Ahras notifies its workers on a regular basis about options to apply for LPA (Assisted Public Housing), in accordance with the Algerian Ministry of Housing, Urban Planning, and the City’s requirements. Over the years, numerous employees have benefited from this subsidized housing program, including 60 in 2019. A new application round has also been scheduled for 2023.
In 2024, the university provided accommodation for about 200 staff at reasonable prices of 6,000 DZD (roughly 38 euros) per month, payable in installments. Additionally, financial aid of 1,500 DZD (approximately 9.6 euros) per month was granted to personnel who had not yet secured housing, therefore meeting their accommodation needs.
11.4.5. Affordable housing for students
The Directorate of University Services manages accommodation at the University of Souk Ahras, which is a free public service. It is part of the National Office for University Services, which manages 466 residence halls around the country, housing more than 250,000 students each year. Furthermore, 5,540 overseas students benefit from this program. The Progres system, which was launched in 2017-2018, streamlined the accommodation procedure by requiring only three papers. University registration for new bachelor holders is now completely computerized. Resident students must adhere to internal standards to guarantee good conduct and facility security.
The University of Souk Ahras has six housing halls for students of both genders.
11.4.6. Pedestrian priority on campus
The University of Souk Ahras has multiple pedestrian paths that promote foot traffic over autos. These paths link the numerous faculties, departments, classrooms, auditoriums, libraries, scientific labs, administrative offices, eateries, and other university amenities.
11.4.7. Local authority collaboration regarding planning and development
In 2024, the University of Souk Ahras partnered with local authorities to solve planning and development concerns under an agreement with Souk Ahras’ Directorate of Housing. The university also attempted to help local citizens find inexpensive accommodation through different initiatives such as LPA, AADL, and social housing.
11.4.8. Planning development – new build standards
Since 2022, the University of Souk Ahras has extended its infrastructure with the construction of various new buildings, all of which meet current sustainability criteria. These buildings are meant to have a low environmental effect, with energy-efficient technology. Green roofs, better natural lighting, water conservation technology, and increased insulation are among the features of the new facilities, showing the university’s dedication to sustainable development and carbon footprint reduction.
11.4.9. Building on brownfield sites
Since its founding, the administration of the University of Souk Ahras has made major efforts to build its campus on previously abandoned or underutilized property. This strategic decision has contributed to the region’s urban growth, converting formerly ignored areas into dynamic, developed zones. The creation of university facilities has served as a stimulus for local growth, attracting a variety of residential and administrative initiatives. As a result, numerous new structures have been constructed near the institution, including residential buildings, a judicial council complex, a civil protection headquarters, Madour Clinic, and other critical infrastructure, strengthening the local economy and improving public services in the region.